Radiocabinet



May 31, 1932- L. H. MORIN 1,860,940

RADIOCABINET Filed Jan. 11, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTO Lau/"5` H. Mor/'n ATTORNEY May 31, 1932 l.. H. MORIN 1,860,940

RADIOCABINET Filed Jan. l1, 19729A V2 ShQetS-Sheqt 2 ATTORNEY Patentecl lVlay 31,` 1932 UNITED A,STATEs PATENT-l ol-IFics Louis E. alom, or NEW RADIO(JABIIINIET.l

application mea January 11, 192s. 'seran no. 331,873.

' nets have now become recognized ornamental articles of furniture and accordingly must be built in such a manner Sas effectively to serve both of these demands. Asa piece of furniture, a radio cabinetmustbeof symmetrical and graceful proportions, while at the same time lending itself to suitable ornamentation. For supporting and housing the electrical apparatus of the radio receiving set the cabinet must be exceptionally strong and rigid and also further suitably constructed andproportioned for efectively serving this latter purpose. Such cabinets were formerly made altogether ofA wood, but now are commonlyconstructed either entirely or nearly so of metal, generally similar in that respect to Vother articles of furniture. Metal construction is particularly desirable with radio cabinets for apvariety of reasons, but more particularly for obtaining increased strength and rigidity of construction.

A general object of this invention is to provide an improved radio cabinet having a maximum of the desirable qualities required and in part above noted. Among these objects are convenience and economy of manufacture, as well as ulfillin the stringent mechanical requirements an satisfying -the aesthetic sense of beauty. Other more particular objects and advantages lwill hereinafter appear.

The particular radio cabinet in which the invention is shown herein as embodied is what is commonly known as of the table type. In carrying out the invention, a suitable light, strong and rigid base is employed, which in this particular instance is a wooden base-V board, the remainder' of the construction,

however, being entirely of metal, and Which` comprises i1'1.- general a die-cast framework whichv supports and reinforces suitably formed 'sheet metal wall panels.

The invention includes various features of construction and combinations of parts, as will appear from the following description. .One embodiment of the invention, together with slight modifications of some of the features thereof, which is illustrated in the accompanyln drawings, will now be described and therea ter the invention will be ointed out in claims, reference now being ha to the drawings in which:

' Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a complete radio cabinet in which the invention is embodied;

2 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectlontakenl on the zig-zag line of 2-2 of Filg: 1;v

ig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1';

Fig. 4 is va =further enlarged partial vertical section on the line'4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a similarly enlarged partial vertical section on the diagonal line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an 'elevation of a reinforced corner construction as viewed from the inside of the cabinet and maybe considered as substanti'ally a vertical section on the diagonal line 6 6 of Fig. 3, drawn to the scale of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 isa horizontal section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6;

8 is a plan 'view from the line 8-8 of ig. 9 is an inverted partial plan view of a corner of the cabinet cover;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but showing a modified reinforced' corner construction;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section on the lin'e 11- -11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Figs. 6 and 10, showing another modified corner construction;

Fig. 13 is a horizontal 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a further enlarged` partial vertical section on theline 141-14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a View similar to Figs. 6,10 and 12, showing a further modified corner construction; and l section on the line Yonx, N. Lassrenoa To 130mm DIE-casarme co., A conromrrou or NEW Yonx Fig. 16 is a horizontal section on the 16-16 of Fig. 15.

lan elongated and in general rectan ular baseboard 1 of suitable wood and o sufficient thickness so that itwill be lfirm and ri id. This baseboard has its corners cutoff or attened and substantially throughout its thickness is beveled u wardly at both ends. and at its corners, for armonizing in artistic aparance with the metal superstructure.

. imilar front and rear sheet metal wall panels 2 and 3 incline slightly inw-ardand upward from the baseboard 1, and a palr of similar sheet metal end wall panels 4 and 5 are similarly inclined, so that the cabinet as a whole will taper slightly upwardly. The front and rear panel walls 2 and 3 are provided respectively along their lower edges with horizontally inturned flanges 6 and 7, and the end panel Walls 4 and 5 are` rovided with similar flangesS and 9, all of t ese four flanges being at the same level and being firmly secured to the upper side of the baseboard 1 by means of screws 10. The central portions of the front and rear anel Walls 2 and 3 are shown as stiffened4 y means of' similar bracket strips l11 which at their lower ends are turned to overlie the lower wall fianges and are secured in place by means of screws 12. The front panel 2 is shown as provided with three perforations 13 and with a slotted opening 14, these beingv for the accommodation of manually controlled parts of the radio receiving set. Each of the lower wall flanges 6, 7, 8 and 9 is continuous throughout its length, but at each end thereof terminates somewhat short of the panel wall, for reasons which will clearly presently appear. The front and rear walls 2 and 3 are provided respectively along their upper edges with horizontally inturned stiffening flanges 15 and 16, and the end walls 4 and 5 are also provided with similar inturned stiffening flanges 17 and 18 respectively.

The construction of the reinforced corner joint between the adjacent Wall panels will now be described. Reinforcing upright corner pieces 19 are provided in the form of internally channeled die-cast rails. The channel in each of these outer corner pieces or rails 19 has a f'lat bottom and flat wing portons substantially at right angles to each other and joining the flat bottom at a reentrant angle of about 45, these wing portions of the channel extending along and loverlapping upon the adjacent marginal portions of the panel wall, with the fiat bottom of the channel thus being at substantially an angle of `45" to the outer surfaces of these walls. The outward contour of these corner rails 19 vis shown as the same as or complementary Each corner rail graduallytapers in width from its lower end, which rests upon thecorner margin of the baseboard 1, to its upper end which terminates adjacent to but at a f somewhat lower-level than the upper edges of the panel walls and their inturned stiffening flanges, above described.

The lateral margins of the end walls or panels 4 and 5 project and have substantially 45 angular bends therein, thereby providingflat marginal portions 20, these angular portions beug ofthe same Width as the flat ottoms of the channels in the respective corner pieces or. rails 19 and,n fitting flat against the bottom of this channel, the salientangles formed by the margins 2O fitting into thev reentrant angles of the channel. The ends of the front and rear walls 2 and 3 have similar angularly bent end portions 21 which lie against and overlap upon the full width of the angular marginal portions 20 of the end panel walls 4 and 5; The corner piece or rail 19 along the middle line of the flat bottom of its channel is provided with a series 03E-inwardly projecting studs 22' Which are die-cast in the same piece therewith and are shown as three in number, although a larger number could be. provided if thought desirable. These studs 22 pass through the overlapping marginal wall portions 20 and 21 and have heads 23vupset upon their inner projecting ends, so that thereby the overlapping bent edge margins 20 and 21 of the adjacent panels are' firmly secured together and are also firmly secured to the corner rail 19 within its channel, this rail thus forming a strong and rigid reinforcement for the corner joint between the adjacent panels. The upper end of each of the corner rails 19 is provided with a horizontally inwardly projecting ledge or lug 24 which immediately overlies the upper ends of the overlapped angularl wall margins 2O and 21, which terminate at this lug. 1

The angular flanged shape of the corner pieces 19 provides both strength and lightness, together with the use of a minimum amount of metal. Also it provides a channel of highly advantageous contour, together with an outer contour of pleasing appearance and harmoniously conforming to the rest of the cabinet construction as a whole. However, it is to be understood that the outer contour of these corner reinforcing-pieces 19 might be different, such as rounded in part or throughout, or they mightA have square outer corners. Also the shape or contour of the internal channel might be varied more or less While still carrying out the invention.

A top cover is provided for the cabinet comprislng a one-piece die-cast frame part 25, the integrally joined frame bars of which are substantially the same in cross-sectional shape as the corner pieces 19. The straight front,

rear and end frame bars of this frame part 25 are joined orV united at the corners of this frame byfmeans of short angular portions of the same cross-sectional shape and in line with to form upward continuations of the corner pieces 19. Thus this frame part 25 has all of the way around it a depending substantially vertical lower flange and an inner horizontal flange, which is wider, these two flanges being joined by a fiat intermediate portion forming a bevel which is inclined inwardly and upwardly at an angle of substantially 45. telescopes over the upper edge margins of the panel walls 2, 3, 4 and 5 and this flange at the corners rests upon the upper ends of the corner pieces 19 in line with the upper surfaces of the inwardly projecting ledges 24.

The die-cast frame 25 is cl( sed by a sheet metal top panel 26, the margirs of which ex tend under the horizontal inner or top lflanges of this frame 25. The top panel 26 is firmly secured to the frame 25 by means of studs 27, 'die-cast in one piece therewith, projecting downward from its upper or inner fiange through the margins of the top panel 26 and provided at their ends with upset heads 28. Outwardly from the heads 28 of the securing studs 27 the top panel 26 has downturn-ed front and rear flanges 29 and 30 formed thereon, and at its ends has similar downturned flanges 31 and 32. All of these downturned flanges are turned or curved slightl inward along their lower edges and these anges for convenience of manufacture have their ends separated at the angular corners of the frame 25. When the cover is in place on the cabinet boX, these cover flanges 29, 30, 31 and 32 telescope respectively just within the inner edges of the inturned stiening anges 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the respective panel walls, as shown in the drawings, more particularly in Figs. 2 and 4. In the construction shown, thus the complete cover may be conveniently lifted off for gaining access to the inside of the cabinet and may be as conveniently replaced in its telescoping, relation with the panel walls of the cabinet.

In Figs. 10 and 11 there is shown a variant or modified reinforced corner joint construction which may be utilized in carrying out the invention. The internally channeled corner piece or channeled rail 33 there shown may be and as is shown, of the same construction as the channeled corner piece 19 hereinbefore described. Similarly to the corner piece 19, this corner piece 33 has a series of securing studs 34 die-cast in the same piece therewith and projecting inwardly along the middle line of the flat bottom of its angular channel. However, in this modified construction, the adjacent panel walls 35 and 36 are provided respectively with fiat angular marginal edge portions 37 and 38, with the angular bends in each of these panel walls fitting into the reentrant angle of the channel and The lower or depending ange with these marginal 'edge ortions 37 and 38 both fitting against the at bottom of the channel with their edges in abutting relaj tion, these edges being provided with semicircular notches to fit around the studs 34. A

flat clamping strip 39, which gradually tapers upwardly along its edges, fits against the inner faces of the angular edge margins 37 and 38 throughout the width thereof, with the inner corners of its edges fitting into the reentrant angles which the edge margins form with the panel wall." The securing studs 34 pass through this clamping strip 39 and have \upset heads 40 thereon which ress the clamping strip 39 tightly against tiie bent angular margins 37 and 38 of the panel Walls 35 and 36, so that thereby the clamping of these angular edge margins against the fiat bottom and in the angles of the channel firmly secures both of the panels 35 and'36 to the corner piece 33.

The modified corner construction just described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11, n y be considered as alternative to that first described with reference to Figs. 1 et seq., inasmuch as this construction shown in Figs. 10 and 11 has been found to be more rigid while the cost and convenience of manufacture remain substantially the same, depending somewhat upon the particular tools and machines which may be readily available in any particular instance. A reinforced corner joint construction substantially similar to that shown in Figs. 10 and 11, has been disclosed and claimed in my prior copending application which became Patent Number 1,812,360, J une 30, 1931, for Metal furniture.

Another variant or modified reinforced c-orner joint construction is shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14. In this construction the corner piece 41 has the same internally angular channel as in the corner pieces hereinbefore described. However, along the middle line of the fiat bottom of this channel, this corner piece 41 has die-cast thereon in the same piece therewith a series of double dovetail lugs 42 which are of considerably greater cross-sectional area than the headed securing studs hereinbefore described. Each of these lugs 42 is shown as having fiat sides laterally, while its upper and lower sides are formed by deep V-shaped notches, so that this lug 42 is thus transversely in the shape of a double dovetail, as is shown most clearly in Fig. 14. The panel Walls 43 and 44 have angularly bent edge margins 45 and 46 respectively, with the salient angles which they form with the panel walls fitting into the reentrant angles of the channeled corner piece 41. These angular edgev margins 45 and 46 lie fiat against the fiat bottom of the channel in the corner piece 41 with their edges abutting against eachother. Each of these edge margins 45 and 46 is provided, for each of the lugs 42, with an undercut notch to fit closely or snugly over the dovetail at that side of the lug 42. The inwardly projecting ends of these lugs 42 are upset to form surrounding flanges or heads 47. The-se large heads press the panel margins 45 and 46 tightly against the bottom of the channel in the corner piece 4l, and together with the dovetails of the lugs 42 cooperate with the lateral wing portions of th(` channel for firmly securing the panel walls '43 and 44 to the corner piece 4l, which thus connects the two panels together and provides a strong reinforced orner joint. This modified corner joint construction also can be produced by means of ordinary manufacturing methods without any particular difficulty, and this joint effectively serves its intended purpose.

In the further modified or variant reinforced corner joint construction shown in Figs. l5 and 16, the reinforcing die-cast corner piece 48 is of the same angularly channeled shape as those hereinbefore described. This corner piece 48, however, is provided with two rows or series of securing studs 49 and 50, die-cast in the same piece therewith and projecting inwardly from the fiat bottom of its angular channel at opposite sides of the middle line thereof, these studs 49 and 50 being shown as arranged horizontally opposite to each other in pairs. The adjacent panel Walls 51 and 52 have angularly bent marginal portions 53 and 54 respectively fitting into the channel and through which the respective studs 49 and 50 pass, the inner projecting ends of these studs being provided respectively with upset heads 55 and 56. In this construction, more particularly by reason of the fact that each of the rows of studs 49 and 50 is relatively near to the adjacent angular wing of the channel in the corner piece 48, it will be evident that these studs will effectively cooperate with the angular formation of the channel for firmly securing the panel walls 51 and 52 to the corner piece 48 and that a strong reinforced corner joint will be formed between these panel walls. This reinforced corner joint construction also may be economically and conveniently manufactured by means of ordinary methods.

The hereinhefore described practical embodiment of this invention, including the above noted modifications therein, is designed to fulfill the numerous exacting requirements in a radio cabinet. It is necessary that such a cabinet should be strong and rigid in order properly to protect the. electrical apparatus of the radio set. vAlso it is required that these cabinets must be handsome and finely finished articles of furniture. Also it is desirable that these cabinets should be of a simple construction which may be convenientlyv and economically manufactured.

The several Wall panels constructed as hereinbefore described may be made from suitable sheet metal, such as sheet steel. Besides their other advantages, these sheet metal walls provide desirable shielding for the electrical apparatus of the radio set. The smooth outer surfaces of these Walls may be provided with any suitable kind of finish desired. Thus they may have a plain finish in any desired color or they may be ornamented to whatever desired extent and in whatever way and different colors and patterns desired, which may be readily accomplished by any suitable convenient method and means.

The hereinbefore described die-cast frame parts may be conveniently and economically die-cast from a suitable metal or alloy, such as an aluminum base or a zinc base alloy. However, in carrying out the invention in a radio cabinet such as shown, a zinc base alloy is considered superior to an aluminum base alloy, since the Zinc alloy provides greater strength and rigidity, which are particularly desirable in a radio cabinet. It will be noted that the die-cast frame parts shown in the drawings and above described lend themselves readily to suitable artistic ornamentation of their exposed outer surfaces in whatever way or to whatever extent may be desired. For example, the smooth outer surfaces shown may be painted in whatever color or colors or ornamental designs desired. Also, if desired, an ornamental pattern comprising elevations and depressions, such as an ornamental pattern in raised or elevated outline upon a lower or depressed background, may be diecast upon the outer surfaces of these frame parts. Such a raised pattern if desired may be made to appear in a harmonizing contrasting color with its depressed background, which may be done by a suitable convenient method.

It is obvious that various other modifications may be made in the constructions shown in the drawings and above particularly described, within the principle and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. 'In a cabinet, the combination of rigid metallic corner uprights each having its inner face longitudinally channeled, sheet mety al panels having their edge portions entering the channel face and shaped and secured thereto, the said corner uprights at their upper ends terminating below the level of the upper edges of the panels, and a top cover closure comprising a rigid metal frame part having an outer lower 'depending flange which telescopes over the upper margins of the. said panels and rests upon so as to be supported by the upper ends of the said corner uprights and said frame also having an upper horizontally inwardly directed iange, and a sheet metal top panel having its margins rmly secured to the latter flange of the said frame part.

2. In a cabinet, the combination of rigid metallic corner uprights each having its inflange which telescopes over the upper mar gins of the said panels and rests upon so as to be supported by the upper ends of the said corner uprights and said frame also having an upper horizontally inwardly directed flange, a sheet metal top panel Within the frame firmly secured at its front and rear and end margins to the lower side of the said inturned flange on the frame, and downturned marginal flanges on this top panel at the front and rear and ends to fit telescopically within the edges of the saidinturned flanges on the upper edges of the respective panels. v

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my signature.

LOUIS H. MORIN. 

